In college, you’re likely to engage in a lot of formal writing. It’s inevitable and an essential part of coursework. While you may have written more informal papers in the past, you’ll have strict guidelines to follow while writing formal papers to get the grade you want in college. Here are some tips for formal writing that you may want to keep in mind before turning in your next paper.
1. DO Vary Your Sentence Structure
Your professor is likely to get tired of reading your paper if every sentence is too long or too short. Vary the way you construct your sentences (such as by introducing multiple clauses every now and then) to ensure your paper engages the reader throughout.
2. DON’T Use “Flowery” Language
Students often assume that using big words and adding excessive detail will instantly make their papers seem more professional and hence appropriate for formal writing. However, it’s best if they are as to the point and concise as possible. Professors usually have several papers to grade. So, they simply won’t have the time to read every complicated word students write.
3. DO Have Someone Peer Edit Your Paper
It’s a lot harder to identify small errors (such as grammatical errors) when you edit your own paper. So, have a friend or peer you trust take a look at your paper to help you spot these errors and get it closer to perfection.
4. DON’T Use First Person Pronouns
Some papers may require you to use first person pronouns, but more often than not, using pronouns such as “I,” “we,” and “us” are not exactly appropriate for an academic paper. Your professor will know who is writing the paper, so it’s not preferable to use these.
5. DO Use the Proper Format and Citations
If your professor requires you to use the MLA format, be sure to use it properly. Don’t forget to include the necessary information in your header and parenthetical citations where they are needed. A works cited page is also necessary for any paper involving research of any kind.
6. DON’T Use Slang
This might seem like an obvious one, but students sometimes tend to slip up and use slang in their academic papers. Slang should only be found in quotations to quote someone if used at all.
Academic papers are not difficult or intimidating when approached correctly and done right. Follow these steps and you’ll certainly be closer to that perfect grade.
